The heavy rain and cooler temperatures appear to be causing a major problem on the University of Texas campus. It is being invaded by huge numbers of crickets -- much like several other areas of Central Texas.

About two weeks ago, swarms of crickets started showing up.

It's believed they are coming much earlier this year and in mass numbers because of the cooler weather.

One of the areas hit especially hard is DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium where businesses are doing everything they can to get rid of the crickets, including sweeping them and vacuuming them up.

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Former UT student Mark Franklin says it's almost impossible to describe the horrible stench produced by all of the dead crickets.

"It's almost smells like a decaying body is what it gets down to... it's that bad," he said.

The critters have been causing some of the worst problems at the Tower and the smell is bad there too

"It's atrocious it smells like raw sewage," said UT's Herb Woerndell

They appear to be attracted by the lights, so for the next two weekends the Tower will remain dark to see if that keeps the crickets away.

UT spokesperson Laurie Lentz says this is a new strategy for them.

"As far as anyone can recollect they have never been turned off for something like cricket control," she said.

The university hopes that dimming the lights will do the trick.

There are no plans to use any type of pesticide.